gigaom.com/video/logitech-revue-99-dollars/
They're basically just trying to unload them now and are selling them at a loss. Things were so bad that Logitech admitted that in the last quarter sales of the Revue were actually negative. More Revues were returned than sold.
No one wanted 'em at $249, but will they sell at $99? It's definitely more in line with what I think you can charge for a set top box these days (Apple TV and the highest-end Roku retail for $99), but would you actually buy one?
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Logitech cut the price of the Revue, its Google TV box, to $99. Will you buy one?
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It's a little painful. They dangled such cool functionality in front of everyone, but it was nerfed by the lack of integration. The search is very nice, but if you find a TV show you want to record, the process of actually recording it makes the whole thing seem like more work than its worth.
Also, the browser is great, but the hardware just can't keep up. Trying to use grooveshark or even loading content rich pages just moves too slow.
I'd like to see the functionality live on, but the days of it living in a stand-alone box seem numbered and for good reason. Now if only someone would put it into a decent TV unlike Sony's junky one. Would certainly be nice to see the crazy segmentation of connected TV apps start to calm down. Though, I guess cutting down on segmentation isn't exactly Google's strong suit.
The real victim here is Kevin Bacon.
Also, the browser is great, but the hardware just can't keep up. Trying to use grooveshark or even loading content rich pages just moves too slow.
I'd like to see the functionality live on, but the days of it living in a stand-alone box seem numbered and for good reason. Now if only someone would put it into a decent TV unlike Sony's junky one. Would certainly be nice to see the crazy segmentation of connected TV apps start to calm down. Though, I guess cutting down on segmentation isn't exactly Google's strong suit.
The real victim here is Kevin Bacon.
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Honestly, I'd recommend against it, even at $99. When it comes right down to it, Google TV stuff is still very half-baked, and I've yet to see any strong indications it's going to get much better.
To me these kinds of price cuts signal the GTV may be on its way out, and the last thing you want is to buy a device on the promise that it'll be receiving numerous, frequent updates -- right before the platform ends development.
To me these kinds of price cuts signal the GTV may be on its way out, and the last thing you want is to buy a device on the promise that it'll be receiving numerous, frequent updates -- right before the platform ends development.
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I think more people will potentially pick it up at $99 since it will be priced similar to Apple TV and Roku devices. Plus, it has the Google and Logitech names associated with it. I don't think people will be any happier with it though. It's really bad.
After playing with it in the office and at a friend's house, it became the constant butt of jokes. "Oh, man. Did you see the baseball game yesterday? Those guys made the Google TV look good!"
We'll see if Google can get their act together later this year for another model. But they have a lot of projects going on right now, and I think it's affecting the quality of some of their products. (More than anything, I just want them to fix Gmail, so it's fast again.)
After playing with it in the office and at a friend's house, it became the constant butt of jokes. "Oh, man. Did you see the baseball game yesterday? Those guys made the Google TV look good!"
We'll see if Google can get their act together later this year for another model. But they have a lot of projects going on right now, and I think it's affecting the quality of some of their products. (More than anything, I just want them to fix Gmail, so it's fast again.)
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nope; still not sure what I'd do with it. An Apple TV is better if you're already living in the iTunes ecosystem, and a Roku or Boxee is still a better option for the rest.
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No. It's $99 for a beta product. You can get away with releasing beta software, it's much much more difficult to sell beta hardware.
I have to believe that a next-gen GTV is coming in time for Christmas (whose software is incompatible with the current Revue), or GTV is about to die. Hard to have faith in this product either way.
I have to believe that a next-gen GTV is coming in time for Christmas (whose software is incompatible with the current Revue), or GTV is about to die. Hard to have faith in this product either way.
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If it gets the honeycomb update, yes in an instant.
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Half-baked Google TV needs to be half the price of the competition... so $50 is the ideal :)
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Already bought it for $199, would buy it again. I love it. It was a great deal cheaper than purchasing a separate computer for the same purpose.
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Nope.
I was on the fence between last Roku, Apple TV, and Boxee Box, and finally got a Blu-Ray player instead, which does all the streaming I want and replaces my old dvd player too, taking up no new shelf space.
I was on the fence between last Roku, Apple TV, and Boxee Box, and finally got a Blu-Ray player instead, which does all the streaming I want and replaces my old dvd player too, taking up no new shelf space.
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your still buying junk even if it's $99 junk.
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My $99 just went to the new Roku 2 XS (upgrading from the original model). I'm just not interested in the Revue.
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Google Sent me one for Free under a developer program however I never ever use it. Its really not useful in comparison to the PS3 I have which has netflix, can rent movies via Vudu and has a 500gb HDD attached with Music, movies and Pictures on it. The revue does all of these things but none of them as well as the PS3. My goal is to have the least amount of clutter under my Tv and the PS3 allows it.
I am however hopeful for the honeycomb update which I really hope Logitech is still planning on implementing. I would use it for netflix on my bedroom TV. But it will never be my sole console for entertainment.
Would I buy one ? At 249$ is a for sure no, at 99$ its still pushing it but if honeycomb hits this with apps, then and only then, will it be a potential buy at 99$
I am however hopeful for the honeycomb update which I really hope Logitech is still planning on implementing. I would use it for netflix on my bedroom TV. But it will never be my sole console for entertainment.
Would I buy one ? At 249$ is a for sure no, at 99$ its still pushing it but if honeycomb hits this with apps, then and only then, will it be a potential buy at 99$
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I have 2. I like 'em. They are great for Amazon Instant Video and HBO Go. Easily worth $99.
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Why would I need one I've had my quad core desktop hooked up to my HDTV since 2009 via a 25' HDMI cord plus I have Time-Warner Cable..I wouldn't mind dumping the cable but there is no serous competition that comes close to cable. TW gave us a deal when we threatened to go to satellite and DSL some months back ;) I don't really need cable but others in the house do..when I can talk them into using a computer to watch TV the cable will be gone and I will put an antenna in the attic for local TV. I already hooked up an older computer I had laying around to another large HDTV in the house but they have a hard time using it like most newbs :D
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I just ordered one from Amazon with the keyboard. At the previous price I wasn't interested, but the Honeycomb upgrade and the price drop made it more interesting.
(Update 8/17) We've been using it for a couple of days, and although it's got definite quirks, we like it. I find the Netflix app easier to use on the Revue than on the XBOX, with the added benefit of near-instant access to Netflix rather than the several-minute process of the latter. The Amazon VOD is (unless I'm missing something) just accessed via Chrome, and is a challenge to read on our tiny (19" 720p) television from the couch, but it streamed okay. It integrated easily with our FIOS DVR and television. My wife was up and running on it within seconds. Like the search, though I hope to see UI improvements with the upgrade. Worth the new price, though I would still balk at paying the equivalent of an XBOX/PS3.
(Update 8/17) We've been using it for a couple of days, and although it's got definite quirks, we like it. I find the Netflix app easier to use on the Revue than on the XBOX, with the added benefit of near-instant access to Netflix rather than the several-minute process of the latter. The Amazon VOD is (unless I'm missing something) just accessed via Chrome, and is a challenge to read on our tiny (19" 720p) television from the couch, but it streamed okay. It integrated easily with our FIOS DVR and television. My wife was up and running on it within seconds. Like the search, though I hope to see UI improvements with the upgrade. Worth the new price, though I would still balk at paying the equivalent of an XBOX/PS3.
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I've always had interest in Google TV, but the price was too high. With this recent price cut and news that it will get Honeycomb in September, I'm in. I ordered a unit from Amazon. Fingers crossed.
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I wouldn't use it, even if it was free or someone paid me. "IR blaster" is a phrase we need to erase from our vocabulary.
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At one time, and even on code.google.com/tv/faq.html#downloadgoogletv , they say they are going to Open Source the software. Would this not allow functionality to continue and/or improve?
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I have a Sony BD Player with Google TV.
It's horrible! You can't connect you USB hard drive to it because it doesn't support NTFS. That's funny, this thing have 3 USB ports!
It can't play most popular file formats like MKV and FLV.
It can't control my TV.
Go and buy a WDTV with you $100 bill!
It's horrible! You can't connect you USB hard drive to it because it doesn't support NTFS. That's funny, this thing have 3 USB ports!
It can't play most popular file formats like MKV and FLV.
It can't control my TV.
Go and buy a WDTV with you $100 bill!
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nope; it's a loser right now.
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Nope - Not interested. Have both Apple TV and Roku, if I buy anything it would likely be another Apple TV esp. if they offer Apps on it this Fall.
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Only if it comes with the brilliant little keyboard controller. www.logitech.com/en-us/smartTV/accessories/devices... Right now, that's just $99 by itself, and when I've played with the Revue in stores, that keyboard is the most brilliant thing about the whole system.
If the Revue + keyboard drops to $99, I'll buy the system, use the keyboard with my XBMC setup and perhaps hook up the Revue as a curiosity.
If the Revue + keyboard drops to $99, I'll buy the system, use the keyboard with my XBMC setup and perhaps hook up the Revue as a curiosity.
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Yes I will, honestly Google TV solutions should have launched at that price. I'm not an Apple guy so this will be the logical choice for me.
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I agree with the masses; GoogleTV is not "primetime" yet. Its smart to spend $99 on an AppleTV at this point.
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Before the price drop, my answer would have been a solid no. With the price drop, I would at least consider it. I'm actually in the market for a media STB, and it seems like the going price for such a device is $99. I need to find something that can stream Netflix as well as the content I have hosted on my network (DLNA). It would be even better if that STB could tune OTA broadcasts and act as a DVR (cable isn't offered in my area, and I don't want to pay the fees for a dish). I have a HDHomeRun on my network, so integrating with that would be great too. I haven't found a device that will do all of that, so until that product hits the market, I'll be looking at:
- Sony SMPN100 Network Media Player
- Roku
- WDTV
- PS3
As others have said, picking up a product that depends on staying current with an online providers offerings (i.e. Netflix) is risky. You depend on the vendor to provide timely updates, and if the Revue is end-of-life it may not receive the updates it needs.
- Sony SMPN100 Network Media Player
- Roku
- WDTV
- PS3
As others have said, picking up a product that depends on staying current with an online providers offerings (i.e. Netflix) is risky. You depend on the vendor to provide timely updates, and if the Revue is end-of-life it may not receive the updates it needs.
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Probably not, but its much more reasonable. GTV was doomed from the start based mainly on the initial price of the Revue. Right from the word go it instantly destroyed any potential interest and made it laughable when it didn't deliver on its promises.
If GTV adds the ability to install apps it could really change things dramatically, but from what I hear the hardware in this "high-end" unit is weak and would have a hard time running anything worth running. If I didn't have a media PC (running Boxee) hooked up to my TV I'd want a streaming box and at this price range I think Roku still wins. Boxee box at this price is a clear winner in my mind - where's the price drop on their end and/or new hardware alternatives?
If GTV adds the ability to install apps it could really change things dramatically, but from what I hear the hardware in this "high-end" unit is weak and would have a hard time running anything worth running. If I didn't have a media PC (running Boxee) hooked up to my TV I'd want a streaming box and at this price range I think Roku still wins. Boxee box at this price is a clear winner in my mind - where's the price drop on their end and/or new hardware alternatives?
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When I saw this news in my feeds this morning I was thinking, "Wow, $99." Then I remembered it's Google TV. No way I'm spending a dime on this turd.
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I'm compelled to get it once it gets Honeycomb. $99 for an HDTV-sized android app? Sounds sweet.
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Na, I'm all set with an Apple TV and TiVo box.
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I already have a PS3 and many people have bought blu ray players with wifi integrated so I will not be buying one. The marketing was good when it first started just to get the name out there, but I haven't actually seen it work and seriously doubt that the speed of the software is going to catch up with the speed of laptops, since that's the market. People who would be surfing on their laptop while watching tv. Google needs to market it better. Having partners like Sony and Logitech was a good start, but they really need to sell out for better and more TV ads.
It's not that their too late, it's that it doesn't really compare to anything out there and I think most people doubt how fun it would be to have. Watching youtube videos and reading news/sports/tech articles on my tv doesn't seem appealing. I have other devices to play netflix/hulu+ etc. with so what does this really offer that is going to be a compelling experience? Either Google has yet to answer that, or just not efficient enough to get the answer to the mainstream where people watch tv and think "Wow this could be so much better if I had Google TV!"
It's not that their too late, it's that it doesn't really compare to anything out there and I think most people doubt how fun it would be to have. Watching youtube videos and reading news/sports/tech articles on my tv doesn't seem appealing. I have other devices to play netflix/hulu+ etc. with so what does this really offer that is going to be a compelling experience? Either Google has yet to answer that, or just not efficient enough to get the answer to the mainstream where people watch tv and think "Wow this could be so much better if I had Google TV!"
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I didn't want it at $249 and I do not want it at $99. It had potential, but was never turned into anything.
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I'm gay for ze google. Definitely getting one.
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My only reason for NOT getting it is that I currently don't have my own HDTV and/ or cable box. So I guess it would be useless to me.
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Not me Ive got a ROKU lovely little box $99 model read way too many bad reviews of the revue and Im a diehard Logitech fan this is a definite PASS for me
EDIT: ROKu is coming out soon with a new box and HOPEFULLY it will include DLNA streaming so you can stream movies from your NAS or other network storage and yeah Id upgrade my box at that point if it does
EDIT: ROKu is coming out soon with a new box and HOPEFULLY it will include DLNA streaming so you can stream movies from your NAS or other network storage and yeah Id upgrade my box at that point if it does
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No - Google TV should be an app that runs on a HTPC - not another STB. I like the Hillcrest Labs Kylo TV browser for this reason. The Kylo interface works really well, the price is right (free), and and when Hillcrest ran the $49 promo on the Loop remote, I was sold (I think they are $79 lately).
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if we can find a way to run XBMC or Boxee on this box like the AppleTV for local media access, yes.....
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Only as a collector's item. I wouldn't even take it out of the box.
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Nope. Not interested in it anymore after Hulu was blocked (and other similar sites). I'm moving and instead of resubscribing to cable to I'm getting an Apple TV. Will rent new movies from them and use Netflix streaming only for other content. Also I'll use a HD antennae for local stuff. And perhaps get NBA TV thingy which also works with Apple TV to fulfill my sports fix.
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I was Interested in the Revue early on but grew tired of reading about content being blocked and promises of features that never showed up. Even at $99 it can't compare with the accessibility and ease of use of a Roku box. The idea itself is nice, but full media integration is still a few years off and a separate box ain't it.
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At it's current price, I couldn't even look at the thing, but I will now check it out to see what it can do for me. That's one step closer to buying, right?
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I love Google, but this product doesn't exactly have a proven track record. 99 dollars is a great price for this product considering that logitech wireless computer keyboards (this device does come with one right?) are 99 dollars themselves. If I didn't have an Apple TV then I would've probably gotten the Roku instead. When I'm interacting with my Television, I would the experience to be as simple and seamless as possible, not us a keyboard (yes i know they have an app) and fiddle through a bunch of menus. This is why Apple TV and Rokus are successful devices.
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I have one...I have never used it. It has a lot of potential but the current design/interface is flawed: no one wants to interface with his TV using a keyboard and a mouse...it is not simple enough.
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I would not even consider this unit as a buy way to glitchy for me google is just using everyone as a test pilot for there second gen. I feel the fact tqhat they cut the price so fast that they know it was put out way too early that's just me
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No. I want to see what comes from the acquisition of SageTV.
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I know it must be bad, because I saw the news (of the price cut) and my first thought was "Revue...what's that? Sounds familiar..." I'd seriously completely forgot about this thing. This is just an awkward solution to a problem that is itself already hard to define.
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What benefit does it bring to the TV that complicated a set up Apple TV for me.
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Even at $99 it's still 'Beta'. if this doesn't fit into Google's 'Social Strategy' I don't see anything getting better soon. Maybe there will be a TV Circle. :-)
I recently just got a second Apple TV but I've been in the Apple ecosystem since the first gen. While we have a Roku it's still fairly limited and just serves as a Netflix box.
The one that will win is the first to get applications to expand the device. I'm still surprised Apple didn't have anything for WWDC this year. Google talked about it and still nothing. Get that done and lets talk again.
I recently just got a second Apple TV but I've been in the Apple ecosystem since the first gen. While we have a Roku it's still fairly limited and just serves as a Netflix box.
The one that will win is the first to get applications to expand the device. I'm still surprised Apple didn't have anything for WWDC this year. Google talked about it and still nothing. Get that done and lets talk again.
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At $99, I think I'll give it a ty. Why not? I like trying new things, especially before they get big, and I think Google has the right idea, just not the right execution--yet. Even if it;s half-baked, I think I will enjoy it and find great use of it. I hope it's just faster than my FiOS UI, which is super sluggish and slow.
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